– by Susan Simosko –
Friends & Neighbours is a column about the people who quietly enrich our lives personally and collectively every day. They distinguish themselves by the incredible things they do, whether or not we even notice. It is my pleasure to introduce you to a few of these remarkable people and to share some of their stories.
Diane Philipps and Judy Smith each consider themselves extraordinarily lucky – and for the same reason. A chance meeting more than 20 years ago was the springboard for what was to become a unique and powerful friendship that led to a remarkable new “dancing partner” for Diane: a beautiful black Labrador service dog named Piper.
When the two women met in 1991, they learned that each volunteered at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and both loved dogs. Diane was involved in pet therapy; Judy worked in palliative care. Over the years, the two friends saw one another through many of life’s ups and downs, always with care and, whenever possible, a good laugh.
The pair also helped one another through several serious challenges, one of which was Diane’s genetic disorder, Usher Syndrome. “This is a combination eye disease and severe hearing impairment,” Diane tells me.
In her early years, Diane was able to see well enough to lip read as long as she was face to face with people. This enabled her to have a successful banking career, and when hearing aids became available for her type of deafness, she was able to pursue a career as a legal assistant.
However, things did not get easier for Diane. “As my hearing and vision deteriorated, I had to give up work,” Diane explains. “But with the help of different specialists, I was able to carry on volunteering with the Red Cross and other organizations.”
Over the years, Diane and Judy continued to enjoy one another’s company. “But,” says Diane, “I soon realized I needed more and more help from friends and family. I knew if I wanted to remain as independent as possible, I needed to be more proactive. That led me to register with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, which helped me immeasurably.” But even that wasn’t enough. “I was perpetually frustrated that I couldn’t do everything I wanted,” she explains, which is why she registered with the B.C. and Alberta Guide Dog Services. She was in her ’60s.
As a close friend, Judy was acutely aware of Diane’s needs. She also learned that it takes almost $40,000 to raise and train a guide dog. Judy was determined to help Diane acquire a service dog through whatever means she could. “I am a member of the Sidney by the Sea Rotary Club,” Judy says. “Two years ago, the Club committed to raising funds to support the training of a seeing-eye dog – as long as the recipient was a local person. That local person turned out to be Diane! It was fantastic!”
By her own telling, Diane is one of the oldest people in B.C. to receive a service dog. “Piper arrived at 16 months old, fully trained, and ready to take me on,” she laughs. “She leads and I follow!” Diane and Piper went through a three-week training period, during which they learned to work with one another. Part of that training included Piper learning how to escort Diane on buses. “Now,” says Diane, “I can go wherever I want. Piper is an extraordinary helper and my new best friend. I am so grateful to Judy, the Rotary Club and all the people who lent a hand along the way. I truly am one of the luckiest people I know!”
Photo by www.nuttycake.com.
